HARRISBURG (April 23, 2003) � The Pennsylvania Bar Association Young Lawyers Division (YLD) presented its prestigious Liberty Bell Award to former Pennsylvania Governor Mark Schweiker for his leadership during the Quecreek Mining rescue operations. The YLD also honored Michael B. Hayes, an associate at the law firm of Montgomery McCracken Walker and Rhoads in Philadelphia, with the PBA/YLD Michael K. Smith Award. Both awards were presented at a luncheon in Philadelphia.

�Our Liberty Bell Award recognizes the individualism, courage, enterprise and altruism of leaders in a free society,� said YLD Chair Charles Eppolito III. �Governor Schweiker led one of the most successful mine rescues in the nation�s history. As the miners� families and millions of Americans watched the rescue unfold, Governor Schweiker�s steadfast courage and support during the operations contributed to the successful rescue of the nine men. We honor him for his outstanding leadership and thank him for his efforts to bring the country together during this event.�

Pennsylvania�s 44th governor, Schweiker was sworn in on Oct. 5, 2001, when Governor Tom Ridge resigned to become the Director of Homeland Security. Schweiker was the only governor to hold the position as a direct result of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States.

In July 2002, drawing upon his years of experience as head of the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, Schweiker oversaw the rescue operations in Quecreek, Somerset County, Pennsylvania, that saved the lives of nine coal miners.

As the nation was transfixed on this developing story, Schweiker became a familiar face in households across the country. Serving as the state�s chief spokesperson on the rescue operations, he worked with the media and spent time comforting the miners� families, providing them with continual updates on the status of the rescue and the condition of their loved ones.

The rescue operation has been described by President George W. Bush as the embodiment of determination that symbolizes the American spirit that �will help us in the challenges we face around the world� in the fight against terrorism.

Following the successful rescue of all nine miners, Schweiker worked to implement a series of safety enhancements to provide better protection for all Pennsylvania miners.

A native of Bucks County, Schweiker earned a bachelor of science degree from Bloomsburg University and a master�s degree in administration from Rider University. He currently serves as the president and chief executive officer of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce.

The Michael K. Smith award, named in memory of a Philadelphia young lawyer who died of cancer, is presented to a Pennsylvania young lawyer who, through his or her exemplary personal and professional conduct, reminds lawyers of their professional and community responsibilities.

Each year, Hayes donates over 300 hours to pro bono and community service to the Philadelphia Bar Association Volunteers for the Indigent Program and the Homeless Advocacy Project. He helped to coordinate the Philadelphia Bar Association Young Lawyer Division�s Habitat for Humanity and Harvest for the Homeless programs as well as its Boo at the Zoo fundraiser. In 2002, Hayes wrote the problem for the Michael K. Smith Oratorical contest for local students and currently is working with two other lawyers on the 2003 problem.

Active in his community, Hayes coaches the St. Hubert�s Catholic High School mock trial team and volunteers as a reading tutor for an elementary school student through the Philadelphia Reads program. Hayes is a graduate of the Temple University Beasley School of Law.